Making Addison County Safer with Cat and Dog Vaccinations

All dogs need to be vaccinated against rabies, as this disease is always fatal with infection. It’s usually transmitted from the bite of a rabid animal. There are no treatment options available and any unvaccinated animals that are exposed to rabies must be quarantined. Vaccination gives your dog invaluable protection against rabies infection.

The DAPP combination vaccine gives dogs protection against multiple harmful viruses. It is spread by infected dogs or wildlife such as raccoons and skunks. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems in dogs, and vaccination is the only effective way to prevent it.

Parvovirus is another deadly virus that tends to affect puppies and older, unvaccinated dogs. Notable symptoms of this disease include vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Adenovirus causes liver disease in dogs and is transmitted via other dogs and various species of wildlife. Like parvovirus, treatment is possible but not always successful, so vaccination is your pet’s best defense.

Parainfluenza is a common and highly contagious upper respiratory disease spread due to high exposure to other dogs. This condition is typically not life-threatening, but it can cause unpleasant symptoms for your pet. If your dog regularly boards or visits the groomer, they should be vaccinated against this disease.

Kennel cough is another common, cold-like disease that can spread quickly in dog kennels and grooming facilities. Vaccination is usually required for dogs to visit these establishments. Kennel cough is known for the loud, honking cough it can cause, along with a runny nose and eyes. The condition is usually mild in dogs and can be treated effectively with your vet’s help.

Lyme disease is very common here in Vermont (and New England in general) and is transmitted by deer ticks. For many dogs, symptoms can be mild and include sore limbs, lethargy, and a low-grade fever, but in rare cases, it can be life-threatening. Treatment is possible but prevention is always ideal. Vaccinating your dog regularly can protect them from infection.

This vaccine is not required, but we still recommend it for dogs here in Vermont. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by rodents, deer, and even other dogs. The bacteria are shed in the infected animal’s urine and can be found in various water sources–even puddles. It’s important to note that if your dog becomes infected, they can potentially spread their infection to you. Leptospirosis can be life-threatening, so it’s best to prevent infection altogether by keeping your dog vaccinated.

Like kennel cough, influenza is highly contagious, and vaccination for this virus is recommended at most boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities. Also called dog flu, this virus causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, and discharge from the eyes and nose. While not exceedingly serious, this illness is best prevented with routine vaccination.